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Menopause/Sweats/Hot Flashes 1

 

 

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Menopause/Sweats/Hot Flashes

I am having hot flashes very bad - perspirations on scalp, head, face, neck, etc. Night sweats also. Am taking no hormones. Help!
 
  N.E. Lewis on 2003-08-26
This is just a forum. Assume posts are not from medical professionals.
are you still suffering from hot flashes?
 
healyourlife last decade
You might want to consult with your doctor first before taking any medications.
Hot flashes and menopause -- it's almost impossible to think of one without the other. Hot flashes are probably the first symptom we think of when we think of menopause or perimenopause (the years before menopause). Whether you already experience hot flashes, or you are still waiting for your turn, here are ten tips that can help reduce the severity of hot flashes when they happen to you:
1. Some research suggests that soy may have some benefit for reducing hotflashes and other symptoms of menopause. However, it is recommended that you get your soy from foods rather than from supplements. Foods that contain soy include tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, whole soybeans, texturized vegetable protein, and soy powder.

2. Black cohosh is a popular choice for the reduction of hot flashes, although little evidence exists about whether it is effective for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. You may hear claims that black cohosh provides effective relief against these and other symptoms of menopause, including headaches, heart palpitations, and anxiety. While there have been several small and inconsistent studies regarding the use of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms relief, the results have been inconsistent. According to the North American Menopause Society, despite the lack of definitive evidence, 'it would seem that black cohosh is a safe, herbal medicine.”

3. Natural progesterone has been found to provide relief for hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause for many women. It is available in over-the-counter cream, compound prescription cream or capsule, and in traditional prescription -- Prometrium (progestins) -- forms.

4. A study published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation found that Vitamin E may help reduce the occurrence and severity of hot flashes and night sweats during menopause.

5. Effexoris a an antidepressant that has been found to reduce hot flashes in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Because it works so well for breast cancer patients, researchers believe it may be an option for women who don't want to use traditional hormone replacement therapy during menopause.

6. Exercise at least 30 minutes every day. You can walk, run, ride a bicycle, or do another activity. Just don't exercise within 3 hours of going to bed to help prevent night sweats.

7. Gabapentin is a drug currently used to treat migraine headaches. Anecdotal evidence, however, found that the drug significantly reduced the number of hot flashes experienced in a small group of women.

8. Dietary triggers that can start a bout of hot flashes include alcohol, caffeine, and cayenne and other spicy foods. If your hot flashes seem to be worse after consuming these foods, try eliminating the offenders and see if the hot flashes subside.

9. Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that includes estrogen replacement provides relief from hot flashes associated with menopause. However, estrogen has been associated with some medical risk and should be used sparingly. Before choosing estrogen replacement therapy, be sure you understand the both the risks and the benefits and how their relevance to your personal medical history. Talk to your medical provider.

10. Hot flashes are often worse during hot weather. Wear all cotton clothes that allow your skin to breathe and keep a fan nearby during hot weather to reduce the number of hot flashes you experience.
 
cynnndy last decade
What are the treatments for hot flashes?

There are many recommended treatments for hot flashes that have been proven to be effective. Amongst them are hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, phytoestrogens, black cohosh, drug treatments and complementary and alternative treatments.
Hormone Therapy:

One of the older methods for treating hot flashes is by the intake of oral estrogens or by the use of a transdermal patch. This is commonly known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). HRT has been proven effective in reducing the frequency of hot flashes to about 80% to 90%. Long-term use, however, can lead to greater risks of heart attack and breast cancer. It is thus recommended that when prescribing to these forms medication that the duration of application be limited to shorter periods andthe dosages be as minimal as possible.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) is a method that embarks on replacing the needed hormones of the body with naturally manufactured hormones of the same chemical formula. Many of those BHRT medications produced by drug companies are U.S. FDA-approved and are safe. Other pharmacists specialists, however, engage in compounding medications based on individual needs and because the finished compounded solutions are not standardized, they are not necessarily FDA-approved. Most BHRT products come in cream or gel forms and are easily absorbed by the body, making them more effective yet riskier to side effects on the immediate use.
Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived estrogens that have the same chemical structure of natural estrogens produced by the body. They are commonly used to relieve the pains of hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause. Since they are all natural, they are particularly safer to use than Hormone Therapy replacements and are much easily absorbed by the body.
Black Cohosh

This medication is currently undergoing testing and its effectiveness and safety is still unknown. Although it may, in some cases, prove to be effective in relieving hot flashes, it has been suggested that this medication be taken for only shorter periods or that after 6 months be automatically terminated. Side effects for long-term use have yet to be determined.
Drug Treatments

Other drug treatment commonly used for relief from menopausal hot flashes are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), Gabapentin, Clonidine, Magestrol and Medroxyprogesterone. Most of these treatments come in pill form or are administered through injection. Mostly used to treat depressions and anxieties but have been proven worthy for relieving hot flashes in menopausal women.
Other Alternative Therapies

Supplements can be prescribed to women who experience hot flashes. Some of them are vitamin E, licorice, evening primrose oil, dong quai, chasteberry and wild yam. Although there have been many testimonies to the effectiveness of these supplements, studies are still being conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of their use.
 
teapot last decade
For anyone experiencing menopause symptoms there's a soy based drug trial which may hold the secret to treating debilitating menopause symptoms such as hot flushes.

What's interesting is that many woman consume soy products in the hope of overcoming these symptoms, but in actual fact only 20% of the Australian population have the enzyme necessary to properly absorb the benefits of soy.
In comparison, about 80% of Asian populations have the enzyme, which accounts for the lower rates of menopause symptoms in Asian populations.
This means that in most cases of Australian women, drinking or eating soy products may not actually be providing the promised health benefits.

The drug basically extracts the positive benefits of soy and bypasses the lack of the necessary enzyme in most Australian women to take affect in relieving menopause symptoms.

It is currently being trialled in leading hospitals throughout NSW, SA, and VIC so for more info go to the blogspot page titled 'menopauseclinicaltrial' or call 1800 236 350.
 
sally123 last decade

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Information given in this forum is given by way of exchange of views only, and those views are not necessarily those of ABC Homeopathy. It is not to be treated as a medical diagnosis or prescription, and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation with a qualified homeopath or physician. It is possible that advice given here may be dangerous, and you should make your own checks that it is safe. If symptoms persist, seek professional medical attention. Bear in mind that even minor symptoms can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and a timely diagnosis by your doctor could save your life.